GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) has reached an agreement with Boeing for 35 additional 737-800 freighters, which will be converted from passenger to all-cargo configurations.
The deal, which includes an existing 20 firm orders and an option for 15 more, would take the company’s 737-800 converted freighter order book with Boeing from 15 to 50. The company plans to lease the planes to the expanding express air cargo market, which is at the same time replacing its aging narrow-body cargo aircraft.
“With total firm and option aircraft commitments now at 50 737-800BCFs, GECAS will commit nearly $1.5 billion worth of 737-800s with conversions to the narrow body freighter sector,” said Richard Greener, senior vice president and manager of GECAS Cargo Aircraft Group, in a statement.
GECAS was the launch customer for Boeing’s 737-800 freighter conversions. It took delivery of the first plane in April and leased it to a Swedish cargo airline. The planes can transport cargo payloads of up to 23.9 tons.
The conversion of the 737-800 passenger planes to cargo configurations is performed at multiple facilities, including Boeing Shanghai Aviation Services Co. Ltd. and Taikoo (Shandong) Aircraft Engineering Co. Ltd. in China. The work on each plane includes installing a large main-deck cargo door, a cargo-handling system and accommodations for up to four non-flying crew members or passengers.